Title: Removal and recovery of uranium (VI) using a fungal based low-cost biosorbent Ganoderma lucidum

Authors: Mukul Kulshrestha, C. Venkobachar

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, MANIT-Bhopal, 462003, India. ' Environmental Engineering Division, Department of Civil Engineering, University of the West Indies, Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract: The macrofungus Ganoderma lucidum was employed for removing and recovering uranium (VI) from low-level (10-100 mg/L) uranium wastewaters. Kinetic studies revealed rapid sorption, and kinetics data fitted a second-order model. Equilibrium studies revealed G. lucidum to be a potential biosorbent with specific uptake of 8.98 mg/g at pH 5 for equilibrium U(VI) concentration of 10 mg/L. To recover sorbed U(VI), 0.2N Na₂CO₃ was employed as eluant and resulted in near 100% recovery. Results of the study indicate that biosorption by Ganoderma lucidum may provide a low energy, cost-effective route for treating and recovering precious uranium from low-level uranyl wastewaters.

Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum; uranium removal; uranium recovery; kinetic studies; equilibrium studies; adsorption mechanism; desorption; eluant; biosorption; wastewater treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.020784

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.34 No.1/2/3/4, pp.83 - 96

Published online: 16 Oct 2008 *

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